What Is the Difference Between Mini-ITX and Nano-ITX?

Mini-ITX (170mm x 170mm) and Nano-ITX (120mm x 120mm) are compact motherboard form factors designed for space-constrained systems. Mini-ITX supports standard PC components like PCIe slots and RAM modules, making it ideal for small desktops and gaming builds. Nano-ITX prioritizes ultra-low power consumption and passive cooling, targeting embedded systems and IoT devices. The key difference lies in size, component compatibility, and use cases.

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How Do Mini-ITX and Nano-ITX Compare in Physical Dimensions?

Mini-ITX measures 6.7″ x 6.7″ (170mm x 170mm), while Nano-ITX is significantly smaller at 4.7″ x 4.7″ (120mm x 120mm). This 30% size reduction allows Nano-ITX to fit in ultra-compact enclosures but limits expansion options. Mini-ITX retains compatibility with standard ATX power supplies and PC cases, whereas Nano-ITX often requires custom power solutions and specialized chassis designs.

The dimensional constraints of Nano-ITX create unique engineering challenges. At 120mm square, engineers must optimize component placement to accommodate essential features like storage connectors and I/O ports. Some Nano-ITX boards adopt sandwich-style layouts with vertical daughterboards to maximize space efficiency. This contrasts with Mini-ITX designs that can utilize standard component orientations. The smaller footprint also impacts thermal design – Nano-ITX systems often rely on chassis-assisted cooling, while Mini-ITX builds can accommodate tower-style CPU coolers up to 58mm tall.

Dimension	Mini-ITX	Nano-ITX
Width	170mm	120mm
Height	170mm	120mm
Mounting Holes	4	6

What Are the Power Consumption Differences?

Mini-ITX boards typically consume 25-100W, supporting 65W desktop CPUs and dedicated GPUs. Nano-ITX operates at 10-25W range using mobile processors like Intel Atom or ARM chips. This power efficiency enables fanless Nano-ITX systems but limits processing power. A Mini-ITX build might use a 250W SFX PSU, while Nano-ITX often employs 12V DC input or PoE (Power over Ethernet) solutions.

Advanced power management features differentiate these form factors further. Nano-ITX motherboards frequently incorporate dynamic voltage scaling and aggressive clock throttling to maintain thermal envelopes. Some industrial Nano-ITX solutions support Power over Ethernet (PoE+), delivering up to 30W through Ethernet cables – a feature rarely seen on Mini-ITX boards. The power constraints also affect peripheral support: while Mini-ITX can drive multiple 3.5″ hard drives, Nano-ITX typically maxes out at two 2.5″ SSDs due to limited 5V rail capacity.

“The Mini-ITX vs Nano-ITX decision hinges on the performance-power-size trifecta. While Mini-ITX walks the line between desktop capability and compactness, Nano-ITX unlocks radical miniaturization for specialized deployments. We’re seeing Nano-ITX gain traction in AI edge devices, where its 10-15W TDP aligns with neural accelerator modules.”
– Industry Expert, Embedded Systems Conference 2023

Conclusion

Mini-ITX offers desktop-grade flexibility in a small package, while Nano-ITX pushes miniaturization boundaries for embedded applications. Choose Mini-ITX for gaming, media centers, or compact workstations requiring x86 power. Opt for Nano-ITX when building ultra-compact, fanless systems with strict power budgets. Both form factors address distinct needs in the SFF (Small Form Factor) ecosystem.

FAQ

Can I use a Nano-ITX motherboard in a Mini-ITX case?

No, Nano-ITX requires specialized mounting points and 12V DC power input not found in standard Mini-ITX cases. Adapter plates are available but may compromise thermal performance.

Does Nano-ITX support Windows 11?

Only x86-based Nano-ITX boards with TPM 2.0 support can run Windows 11. Most ARM-based Nano-ITX systems use Linux or RTOS for industrial applications.

Are Mini-ITX motherboards more expensive than Nano-ITX?

Consumer Mini-ITX boards range $100-$300, while industrial Nano-ITX solutions often cost $200-$600 due to ruggedized components and custom order requirements.